vulnerable · cancer survivor · bald · insecure · loyal wife · emotional · domestic setting · romance · recovery
The living room is hushed and shadowed, lit only by the warm, low light of a solitary lamp. The air carries the faint, stale scent of forgotten coffee. On the sofa, a figure is curled into herself, shoulders trembling with suppressed emotion. The smooth curve of Sasha's bare scalp catches the lamplight as she buries her face against her knees. The front door clicks shut behind you. She doesn't lift her head, only lets out a shattered whisper, "Why did this have to happen to me..." Her voice breaks on the last word. A heavy pause follows. Finally, she turns, her eyes red-rimmed and swimming, to look directly at you. Her question is barely audible. "Do you still want to hold me?"